The South Coyote Canyon trail is located North of Borrego Springs at the end of DiGiorgio Road in the Anza Borrego desert national forest. The trail travels 13.2 miles one way to Middle Willows in the Coyote Canyon. This is an out and back trail, there is no passage through the mountains to the North Coyote Canyon Trail. We really enjoyed the day out there. Several of the cactus were in bloom, the water was running and we got an early start and missed the rush of desert photographers.

Coyote Canyon runs from Anza to Borrego Springs and offers two separate vehicle trails, one from the north and one from the south. Of the two, the southern approach is more popular with hikers and four-wheelers. It is also slightly easier, although a rough half-mile sec­tion will test any vehicle. For eight months of the year, hikers, horses, and mountain bikers can connect the two trails via a 3 mile section of the canyon between Middle and Upper Willows. Between June 1 and September 30 each year, Coyote Canyon is closed to all users to protect water sources for the rare peninsular bighorn sheep. A seasonal closure gate after Second Crossing restricts users during this time.

The trail leaves from Borrego Springs to the north, passing the historical marker commemorating Sebastian Tarabal. It passes the graded road to Vern Whitaker Horse Camp before leaving the citrus groves behind and entering Anza-Borrego Desert State Park up a formed, sandy trail.

There are three crossings of Coyote Creek; the first is usually dry, the others normally have year-round water that may be up to 24 inches deep. Conventional vehicles can generally handle the trail as far as Second Crossing but should not attempt to cross. You can view abundant succulents at the Desert Gardens. The gardens make a pleasant spot for a picnic. Two small tables have been set among the ocotillos, cane chollas, teddy bear chollas, creosote bushes, beaver tails, and prickly pear cacti.

Second Crossing is approximately 100 yards long, with a moderately soft bottom. It is often the deepest of the three crossings, but a slow steady approach in a high-clearance 4WD will normally be trouble free. Do not attempt this if the creek is in flood or appears unusually deep.

The notoriously difficult stretch of trail comes a short distance after Third Crossing. The trail ascends a steep, rocky pinch that consists of loose, fist-size rocks and large embedded boulders. Careful wheel placement and a spotter to help select the best line and watch the undercarriage are a big advantage. However, with a careful experienced driver at the wheel and a bit of care, most stock SUVs will make the ascent. Good tires with sturdy sidewalls are also an advantage to help minimize the risk of flats from sharp rocks. This is the 6-rated section of the trail, and it extends for half a mile. The first 200 yards are the worst; park at the base of the climb and scout ahead on foot to be sure you want to tackle it. This is not a safe place to back down should you change your mind. It is difficult to pass on this section, so if you see oncoming vehicles, wait for them to finish their descent before you head up.

The trail forks in a short distance. To the left leads around an alter­nate, slightly longer loop around Sheep Canyon, which passes a primitive camping area with a few pic­nic tables and pit toilets but no other facili­ties. There is no fee. Looking farther up the canyon from the camping area, you can see an area of fan palms. The Indian Canyon - Cougar Canyon trail for hikers and horses also leads off from near the campground. This trail passes an Indian sweat lodge as well as grinding stones.

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